Rep. Shri Thanedar

Maddy summaryHR 5334, the SEED Act of 2025, expands the existing educator expense deduction under federal tax law to explicitly include early childhood educators. It revises the Internal Revenue Code to cover expenses for "early childhood educators" and broadens the educational levels affected to include "pre-kindergarten through grade 12." This change allows early childhood educators (such as preschool teachers) to deduct work-related expenses like classroom supplies and professional development costs, which they previously could not claim under the existing deduction for "kindergarten through grade 12" teachers. The amendment applies to expenses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the United States Postal Service facility at 117 West Lovett Street in Charlotte, Michigan, as the "Francis C. Flaherty Post Office Building." It directly affects the specific postal location by officially changing its name in federal records and documents. The key provision ensures that all future legal and official references to this building will use the new name. This is a commemorative measure that honors an individual without altering operational policies or funding.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution supports designating September 20, 2026, as "Pharmacy Workforce Suicide Awareness Day" to highlight mental health challenges among pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. The bill cites high rates of burnout, stress, and suicide risk within the profession as reasons for the designation. It encourages the President to issue a proclamation calling for national awareness activities and honors those who have died by suicide. Additionally, the resolution recognizes the need for further research into barriers to mental health treatment and strategies to prevent suicide in this workforce.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution expresses support for recognizing Nigerian Heritage Month to celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of Nigerians and Nigerian Americans in the United States. It highlights the strong bilateral relationship between the two nations and notes that Nigerian Americans are a highly educated immigrant group making significant impacts in fields such as medicine, technology, and business. The bill encourages federal, state, and local governments, along with educational institutions, to observe this month through programs and ceremonies that highlight Nigerian heritage.

Maddy summaryThe Glaucoma Vision Act of 2026 mandates that private health insurance plans, Medicare, Medicaid, and Federal Employees Health Benefits programs cover annual glaucoma screenings for specific high-risk individuals starting in 2027. These covered individuals include adults aged 40 or older with African, Hispanic/Latino, or Asian ancestry, those with clinical risk factors such as diabetes or family history, and all adults aged 60 or older. The bill also directs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to award $10 million in grants over two years to provide free or low-cost screenings and treatment to uninsured high-risk populations, with priority given to underserved communities. Additionally, it authorizes $10 million for research into glaucoma treatments, including optic nerve regeneration and gene therapies.

Maddy summaryThe Backlog Justice Act of 2026 aims to reduce the backlog of untested sexual assault evidence kits by requiring the Attorney General to create a public database tracking inventory levels and laboratory processing times across state and local jurisdictions. To address staffing shortages, the bill authorizes the FBI to develop training programs for forensic analysts and DNA technical leaders, allowing states and localities to hire individuals who have completed this federal training. Additionally, it funds a program for the FBI to collaborate with state and local providers on validating new DNA processing technologies and sharing related protocols. The legislation also provides increased grant funding to states that implement electronic tracking systems allowing sexual assault survivors to monitor the status of their evidence kits from collection through final disposition.